(ATDN) Sulfasalazine for HIV

(ATDN) Sulfasalazine for HIV

Treatment Review #15; December 1994

Sulfasalazine is a drug used for the treatment of arthritis. Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which is when the immune system starts attacking itself. People with HIV/AIDS may develop automimmune problems such as painful joints/bones/muscles and dry mouth that's not caused by drugs, among other symptoms. Doctors in New York noticed that when they treated 4 HIV+ people who had arthritis with sulfasalazine, their T4 cell counts also increased.

A trial to study sulfasalazine for the treatment of HIV infection is open. The purpose of the trial is to see if sulfasalazine can raise T4 cell counts. The trial is also looking for the most effective dose. When sulfasalazine is swallowed, it's broken down into a chemical related to aspirin. The chemical, called 5-ASA, reduces inflammation and pain. Sulfasalazine may be useful because it can have aspirin-like effects without causing bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

Participants in this trial will be divided into two groups. The first group will be treated with sulfasalazine. The second group will be treated with placebo. Neither the participant nor the doctor will know which treatment is being given. Both the sulfasalazine and the placebo are pills. Everyone will take two pills a day for the first four days. The dosage will be increased by one pill daily for the following 4 days to a total of four pills daily in divided doses.

Clinic visits are required once a week for the first two weeks and then every other week. Total time on study is 16 weeks. To participate in this study, you must be HIV+ and 18 years or older. If you are taking AZT or another antiretroviral, you must have been on a stable dose for 4 months which you will continue during the trial. You cannot have diagnosed arthritis, significant liver or kidney disease, or be under current treatment for a major opportunistic infection such as PCP or toxoplasmosis. You may not have a history of sensitivity to salicylates or sulfa- containing drugs, or have taken an experimental treatment for three months before starting the study. Sulfasalazine has been safely used for treating arthritis in people who are HIV+. It is a sulfa drug. The main side effects can headaches, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. If you are interested in participating in this trial, call The Network and we will put you in touch with the study coordinator.

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1994. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1994. AEGIS.